North Face chain angers consumers with drag queen ad inviting customers to 'come out' for 'Summer of Pride'

A new gay pride ad from outdoor apparel company The North Face featuring a drag queen has outraged some conservative consumers.

"Hi, it’s me, Pattie Gonia, a real-life homosexual," a mustachioed drag queen clad in rainbow apparel says in the ad for the company's "Summer of Pride" tour and clothing collection.

"We are here to invite you to come out in nature with us," the spokesperson, who goes by "they/she/he" pronouns says in the campy commercial.

This is the second year the company has used this spokesperson for their "Summer of Pride" tour.

The ad drew attention this year as more brands face backlash from consumers for partnering with drag queens and transgender spokespersons for campaigns.

Conservatives compared the ad to the Bud Light social media partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The beer brand continues to get heat from that decision with U. S. retail sales down 23.6% from where they were a year ago.

Several social media commentators were offended by The North Face selling children's apparel in its new pride collection.

The brand's website appears to have taken down the children's products. However, rainbow kids apparel from the collection are still being sold by retailer Dick's Sporting Goods online.

The North Face's parent company, VF Corporation, defended the ad in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"The North Face has always believed the outdoors should be a welcoming, equitable and safe place for all. We are honored and grateful to support partners like Pattie Gonia who help make this vision a reality. The Summer of Pride series, now in its second year, has helped foster a more accessible and welcoming environment for individuals from all backgrounds to gather and experience the joy of the outdoors," a spokesperson for the company said.... (Read more)

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